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Liberty honors Virginia Tech shooting victims

April 16, 2008 : Mitzi Bible

Liberty University paid tribute to the victims of the deadly shooting at Virginia Tech one year ago as students dressed in orange and maroon filled the Vines Center for Wednesday’s convocation service.

Campus pastor Johnnie Moore opened up the service reflecting on that tragedy.

“A year ago, on this day, at this hour, the worst, deadliest shooting in modern American history was taking place 90 miles down the road from here,” he said. “Many of you are from that part of Virginia. This is a somber day for Virginians and for so many people who were affected by this tragedy in innumerable ways.”

Moore asked the crowd to join in silent prayer, “to intercede for families still grieving the loss of their loved ones and for the many thousands of people affected by this year-old but still very fresh wound.”

A handbell was then rung 32 times in remembrance of each of the shooting victims.

Liberty students paid tribute in other ways, by painting the school’s famous “Spirit Rock” maroon and orange, with the words “God Bless VT,” “Never Forget,” “We are all Hokies.” Paper placards with the names of the victims and their ages lined the sidewalk in front of the rock.

The Liberty community also paid tribute to shooting victims at Wednesday’s baseball game at Worthington Stadium. The Rev. Jonathan Falwell spoke and led fans in prayer. Orange and maroon balloons were released in honor of each of the victims.